Hubert von Meyerinck, a distinguished German character actor, stood out with his meticulously waxed moustache and monocle, radiating an unmistakable aura of Prussian militarism. His bald head, straight back, and imposing posture demanded attention, as did his cultivated air of condescension and distinctive raspy delivery, which collectively contributed to his authoritative image.
As a member of a military family, von Meyerinck's heritage was marked by a commanding general as his grandfather and an army major and landowner as his father. Initially, he was expected to follow in the footsteps of his family and pursue a career in the clergy. However, his decision to enroll in acting classes was met with strong disapproval from his conservative parents.
Invalided out of military service due to a lung condition during World War I, von Meyerinck embarked on a theatrical career in Berlin in 1917, marking the beginning of his journey as a performer. He then spent a period of two years at the esteemed Hamburg Kammerspiele from 1918 to 1920, honing his craft and gaining valuable experience. Following his time in Hamburg, von Meyerinck returned to Berlin, where he secured engagements on the legitimate stage and in cabaret, further solidifying his reputation as a talented thespian.
One of the most notable highlights of his career was his partnership with the up-and-coming Marlene Dietrich in the 1927 revue "Es liegt was in der Luft", a collaboration that showcased their undeniable chemistry and artistic synergy. Von Meyerinck's impressive range was also demonstrated through his prominent roles in productions of "Faust" and "Threepenny Opera", cementing his status as a respected and accomplished actor.
Noted character actor, von Meyerinck, was renowned for his remarkable versatility, effortlessly transitioning between portraying nefarious and comedic roles with equal aplomb. When assuming the role of an outright villain, he possessed the uncanny ability to instill genuine fear and menace. Nonetheless, his undeniable mastery of comedic timing and wit often led him to cleverly subvert his own image and appearance, delighting audiences with his memorable performances as oily swindlers, impoverished aristocrats, bigamists, effete movie personalities, and obtuse officials.
Noted German actor, Von Meyerinck, boasts an extensive filmography, boasting an astonishing 294 screen credits to his name. His illustrious career has seen him take on a wide range of memorable roles, with several standout performances standing out in particular.
In the early years of his career, Von Meyerinck appeared in films such as "The Company's in Love" (1932) and "When Love Sets the Fashion" (1932),showcasing his versatility as an actor. He continued to impress audiences throughout the 1930s, starring in notable films like "Bel Ami" (1939).
As the years went by, Von Meyerinck's filmography continued to grow, with notable roles in "Der tolle Bomberg" (1957),"Ein Mann geht durch die Wand" (1959),"The Haunted Castle" (1960),and "One, Two, Three" (1961). His ability to adapt to a variety of roles and genres has undoubtedly contributed to his enduring success.
Between 1965 and 1969, Von Meyerinck was granted a significant amount of creative freedom, allowing him to play the lovable but hapless Scotland Yard chief, Sir Arthur, in a series of five Edgar Wallace crime thrillers. This period of his career saw him excel in a role that showcased his comedic timing and endearing on-screen presence.
Throughout the course of his illustrious career, von Meyerinck remained dedicated to expanding his impressive repertoire of screen acting credits, simultaneously returning to the stage with remarkable frequency.
His final stage appearance was as a valued ensemble member of the esteemed Thalia Theater in Hamburg, a role he undertook from 1966 until his untimely passing due to pneumonia in May 1971.
